Wiltshire fundraiser to run the London Marathon

Fundraiser to run the London Marathon

A fundraiser from Wiltshire will take part in the London Marathon this year after Combat Stress helped her friend’s son, Marc, before he sadly passed away from a heart condition last year.

Catherine Parfitt decided to support Combat Stress after we helped Marc, who had post-traumatic stress disorder following tours of Afghanistan.

Catherine said “Marc was really struggling with his mental health and Combat Stress supported him. If he was still here he would be wanting to raise money to support their work.

"I want to be able to give something back for everything Combat Stress did for him. Marc was able to make progress with his PTSD through their unwavering support. He made great friends though the charity also.”

The marathon will also be a personal challenge for Catherine having suffered a stroke in 2009 and having major surgery in 2012 and 2017. Supported by her husband and children she believes anything is achievable.

“I was determined that I would not let my stroke or my operations hold me back. I have completed numerous physio sessions and through sheer grit and determination I ran my first marathon in 2016. I raised money for Combat Stress and two other charities.

"After that marathon I told myself I’d never do another one, but after Marc passed away I felt I had to do something. I asked Marc’s parents and they have been hugely supportive. Many people face far worse in their lives than running 26.2 miles!

“My mantra is ‘I can, I will and I’m going to'"

Robert Marsh, Director Income Generation at Combat Stress said;

“We’re so grateful to Catherine for running the London Marathon in aid of Combat Stress.

“It’s so great to hear how the support from Combat Stress helped Marc. Each year we receive 2,000 referrals from veterans dealing with issues like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Without amazing fundraisers, like Catherine, we wouldn’t be able to continue to provide this life changing treatment.”